One of the best uses for AI chatbots, such as Gemini or ChatGPT, is editing existing content, such as text or code. This ensures the essence of your work is preserved while still getting the polishing it needs. However, the standard chatbot interface makes it difficult to keep track of those changes, with previous versions getting lost in the chat. 

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For that reason, OpenAI last October launched Canvas for ChatGPT, which gives users access to a new interface that makes co-editing easier and more efficient. Now the feature is finally coming to Gemini. 

Canvas 

To activate Canvas in Gemini, users simply select Canvas in the prompt bar. Once Canvas is selected, users view the changes happening in real-time as their original content is still viewable. Although it can be difficult to visualize without trying it for yourself, the major difference is that the changes happen to the existing content instead of the chatbot adding the changes to a new version placed right below it. 

This feature is helpful because you can see exactly what was changed and how it fits into the rest of the existing content. Gemini will also give users feedback and edit suggestions you can revise. The feature also gives users more control over making additional changes, as you can highlight the content you want to change and use quick editing tools to change the tone, length, or formatting according to the release. 

Of course, the feature is useful for coding tasks beyond text, as users can collaborate with Gemini to edit and receive feedback on their code. An added Canvas functionality for coding tasks is the ability to view previews of HTML/React code and other web app prototypes. This allows users to see a visual of their design, making it easier to edit and tweak. 

Also: Why Canvas is ChatGPT's best productivity feature for power users

Canvas is rolling out globally to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers starting today. 

Audio Overviews

One of Google's most popular AI features has been Audio Overviews, which allows users to transform their content into podcasts between two AI hosts with the touch of a button. However, that feature has lived in NotebookLM, another experimental Google AI offering, instead of Gemini -- until now. 

Also: Google's stunning AI podcast tool gets new features that make it even better

Starting today, Audio Overview is rolling out to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers globally in English, with more languages coming soon. To access the feature, users can upload documents or slides and click the suggestion chip that pops up above the prompt bar on both the mobile app and the web. 

Some helpful use cases for the feature include uploading dense or difficult-to-understand materials, as Audio Overview can synthesize them for you engagingly, with a dynamic conversation that deep-dives into the topic. 

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